Few takers for Knights of Columbus’ free coats

Friday

NORWICH — It was a disappointing turn-out for the Knights of Columbus and their Coats for Kids giveaway Friday at the Cathedral of Saint Patrick in Norwich.

The Knights gave away only 10 of the more than 500 free coats they had for needy children.

“It really is sad,” State Warden Klaus Stankiewicks said. “We wanted it to be successful, because our main concern is making sure that the little ones don’t go cold.

The event was founded in 2009 and has given out more than 150,000 winter jackets to children around the U.S. and Canada.

“The economy has been so sluggish for many years,” Communication Manager for the Supreme Council of New Haven Pete Sonski said. “Kids grow fast, and sometimes parents aren’t able to purchase new coats fast enough. This is our way to help as winter closes in on us.”

Iris Guzman of Norwich brought her three children to get coats.

“I saw this posted on their school’s website,” Guzman said. “I thought that it was a wonderful way to get my girls something they needed.”

Guzman showed a white puffed coat belonging to her 8-year-old daughter Kianna Sanchez. It was missing a zipper and couldn’t close. She chose a purple coat that had different tones of the color that she said looked “spray painted.”

The Knights of Columbus Supreme Council made a push this year to increase the number of coats given out.

In Norwich, 516 North Point jackets, ranging from sizes 4 through 20, were available. They varied in colors, styles and prints, and all of them were new with tags and still in their bags.

A switch of venues to Norwich may have contributed to the low turnout.

“This location was my first choice due to the size,” Stankiewicks said. “It offers so much space for the coats, but I think the change in location and it being Black Friday stopped people from coming.”

Stankiewicks said the coats will eventually be distributed. After the event was done, the Knights divided up jackets to give to local charities and agencies.

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